BMW has confirmed it will introduce a new range of plug-in hybrid models, including the 330e sedan and X5 x-Drive SUV, from next month.
The new vehicles will be marketed under the BMW iPerformance banner, and will also include plug-in versions of the 225xe Active Tourer, and the 740e luxury sedan.
BMW Group New Zealand managing director Florian Renndorfer, said his company would be offering the most comprehensive range of plug-in hybrid and fully electric vehicles in the country.
The new models would combine the group's most popular body styles with the latest innovations in sustainable personal transport..
“We have the 225xe which adds an electric power-train to the already versatile Active Tourer; the iconic 3 Series is now available as the 330e; the legendary X5 with eDrive and xDrive technology; and our luxurious flagship 7 Series is now available with the latest in BMW powertrain technology," he said.
“With these four new models available alongside our iconic BMW i3 and BMW i8, the BMW Group is offering the most comprehensive range of plug-in hybrids and EVs in the New Zealand market,” Renndorfer said.
The new plug-in hybrid vehicles follows last week’s confirmation that the BMW i3 – the Group’s first bespoke pure electric vehicle - will shortly receive an update, boasting improved battery technology for an increased range of up to 300 km and the inclusion of DC rapid charging as standard. Also, for the first time in New Zealand the i3 will be available in both battery-electric and range extender model variants.
"We are committed to the ongoing development of future powertrain technology and lowering CO2 emissions, and I am very much looking forward to bringing these vehicles to market,” said Mr Renndorfer.
As a plug-in hybrid, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer with eDrive can charge its lithium-ion high-voltage battery either by means of brake energy recuperation during a journey or when plugged into a domestic power socket (in three hours 15 minutes from empty). Charging can also be carried out at public AC charging facilities, a full charge taking approximately two hours 15 minutes from empty.
The BMW 225xe uses its combination of BMW eDrive and a 1.5-litre three-cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo engine to deliver a combined fuel consumption of 2.1 litres per 100 kilometres and with CO2 emissions of just 49 grams per kilometre.
The model will cost from $68,500 plus on-road costs, while the BMW 330e is priced from $89,900 plus orc. The X5 Drive 40e is priced from $149,900 plus on-road costs, and the BMW 740e is priced from $199,000 plus orc.